KASTEN, LERNERS GUFFAW AT LATEST GARAGE NEWS

[July 8th] -- Curiouser and curiouser, no doubt about it. Although Major League Baseball and the D.C. City Council aren't directly involved any more, the fighting continues. On Thursday, the Zoning Commission approved Mayor Anthony Williams' concept of having the stadium parking garages partially underground and surrounded by a veneer of retail and residential complexes. Developer Herb Miller says, if given the go-ahead by the City Council this Tuesday, he can get the structure completed by opening day 2008. Stan Kasten and the Lerner's, however, don't believe it.

Kasten issued a statement on Saturday indicating that the new ownership group will go apoplectic if the City Council approves the Zoning Commission's version of the parking garages. Kasten says that this could push back the stadium completion timetable far enough that the team will lose tens of millions of dollars. No no no no! says the Lerners. @?!!$$%&** says the fans.

It's now even more apparent that Nationals' fans will be provided a basic structure but will be asked to pay premium pricing to visit it. The Lerner's of all people should understand the concept of "value added" in the world of customer service. You can charge $20 for a "nice" environment, but for a "top-of-the-line" facility, you can get another $5 or $10 for that same ticket, with additional costs eating up less than 50% of the additional cost. This isn't a new or "secret" concept. It's how companies remain in business. When I ran my camera store, I sold a particular camera for $175 while Wal-Mart sold the same on for $135. I couldn't keep it in stock because sales were so good. How? I gave the customer a free bag, free film and batteries, a five year warranty, a class on how to use the camera, and the guarantee of a loaner camera if theirs ever needed to be returned to the manufacturer for repair. All of that cost me about $20, but I got an extra $40 from the customer, and he/she was happy to give it to me. That's the whole concept of the new stadium in the first place. Fans are willing to pay more per ticket for better food and a better stadium. So why then won't the Lerners add back the limestone exterior, the partially sunken parking garages, and the rest of the amenities that were removed because of the City Council's cost constraints? I don't know.

My home reflects the kind of person I am. The Nationals' home will reflect the kind of franchise they will become. From what I can tell, that' s going to be good, but not quite good enough.

Why are the Lerners making such a big deal...it's not like their paying for it. If it's late just fine the city like you said you would and be on you way.....I really hoped tey would be good owners, but between the parking, keeping bowden and saying that that won't put a dime in their major league team(they said all the money goes to the farm system) I am really starting to get mad.

And can they please just pay for limestone.....it's something like $30 million but, when they cut the budget by trading all the players the would likely have enough...... leave to Bud to pick the cheapest owner he can find.

The Lerners' cheapness is no surprised to me. As opposed to most Nats fans, I was not happy with the Lerners being awarded the franchise. I think we would have been much better off with the Fred Malek group. He had a much better relationship with the DC Council and the mayor and he isn't cheap like the Lerners are. I think the Lerners may be cut from the same mold as Twins owner, Carl Polad and Royals owner, David Glass. Both of those guys are cheap and their number one objective is to make money on the team. They don't like spending money to make money though. I think the Lerners fall into this category. Just remember, as opposed to the Malek group, Lerner did not lift a finger or spend one cent to the bring the team here or to help win the battle for the new stadium.

Rasner Rocks For Yanks

What was it that Jim Bowden said when he lost Darrell Rasner to the Yankees through waivers last winter? Wasn't it something like, "C'mon, it wasn't like he was going to make an impact at the major league level?" Well Jimbo, it seems like some of your "minor" transactions are coming back to haunt you.

Rasner, a 6'3" righty from Carson City, Nevada, was waived February 11th by the Nationals, just a couple of weeks before the start of spring training. He was picked up and assigned to 'AAA' Columbus. He had some injuries this year, but it didn't effect his pitching. In 58 innings for the Clippers, Rasner went 4-0, 2.76. But wait. There's more.

Pitching on Sunday against the Twins, Rasner pitched 6 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits. In two starts, he's now 1-0, 1.17.

What do you always like to say, Jim, something about "You can never have enough pitching?" Let's see, you waived Rasner, and he's starting for the Yankees. You waived Claudio Vargas, and he's starting for the Diamondbacks. You waived Byung Young Kim, and he's starting for the Rockies. You traded Tomo Ohka for a guy no longer in the major leagues, and
he's starting for the Brewers.

Jim, if I were you, I'd stay away from the waiver wire. Seems like you haven't figured it that it's supposed to help the team, not hurt it.

About your humble host

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I am a 49 year old father of six. Born in Beirut Lebanon, I have lived in dozens of countries world-wide and ten states here in America. Although I was born in the Middle East, I consider Washington, D.C. my home town. I have lived in Pocatello Idaho since 1991. Although D.C. is a great place to enjoy life, Idaho is a great place to raise your children. My kids have benefited from the safe surroundings and quality education we have here.

Two of my six children were born with serious physical and mental handicaps, which has made my life anything but normal [don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have had it any other way]. Kendi died two years ago at the age of 20 due to a nurse's error during a routine medical procedure. I miss her so very much.

After 30 years in the business world, I have gone back to school to get my teaching degree. I am currently a junior at Idaho State University in Pocatello.

My wife Tracey and I have been happily married for 26 years. She is more than special; she is that which makes my life worth living. Without her, I'd be nothing.

I am a religious conservative, but I don't believe that my views are absolute or absolutely right. I come from a land where diverse opinions were silenced, so America's diversity of thought makes it a very special place for me.

I am a lucky man. My wife loves and respects me, and all of my children treat their father better than I treated mine.

I couldn't ask for any more.

My home town: Pocatello Idaho

Pocatello is a city of 50,000 nestled in Southeastern Idaho. Home of Idaho State University, Pocatello was founded as a railroad town in the late 1800's. Today, it is an inexpensive, safe, family-friendly place to live.

My Wife Tracey

Tracey & I have been married for 26 years. Her father was in the Air Force, and she spent much of her childhood years in foreign lands around the world. Tracey is a talented artist. She has won several blue ribbons for her porcelain dolls

Kira And Aaron

Kira and Aaron were married in 2003. She recieved her second degree from Idaho State University and works with special needs children. Aaron attends ISU and works at UPS.

Kendi

Kendi was born with severe physical and mental handicaps. Even at the age of 20, she wore a diaper, and had to be fed by her mother or I. She spent her life in a wheelchair, but that didn't stop her from enjoying every moment she was on the earth. She died in 2003 due to a nurse's mistake during a routine medical procedure. I miss her so much

Kristen And Mark

Kristen & Mark were Married in August, 2005. Kristen will receive her 2nd degree from BYU-Idaho in December in construction management. Mark has recently returned from an LDS church mission and will begin attending college full-time next spring

Kourtney

Kourtney will graduate from high school next spring. She has already taken several college classes. She has wanted to be a mortician since she was 12

Katie

Katie was born with the same genetic disorder as her sister Kendi, though not as severe. Katie is able to walk, even run. She cannot talk but has learned a 100 word sign vocabulary. She loves to go for long walks [I push her in a special stroller] around the neighborhood

Korth

Korth loves all sports, but excels in baseball. He has been on post-season all star teams each year he has played. He spends a great deal of time playing with his handicapped sister so that she always has something "fun" to do

Big Changes, Little Names

Big happenings? Nah. Just happenings. Zach Day was designated for assignment by the Colorado Rockies and Capitol Punishment is reporting that the Nats have claimed him off the waiver wire. So we ended up getting Preston Wilson for nothing. That's nice. Billy Traber, he of the tight leash,
was sent down to New Orleans and replaced by Mike O'Connor.

That's all well and good, but don't look to any of these moves making a difference in the play of the team. But hey, it's something to talk about. Right?